Easy Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus
Silky, tender salmon fillets baked alongside crisp asparagus with fresh lemon and herbs for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on, preferably wild-caught
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and snapped at woody ends
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced, plus extra wedges for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste, preferably flaky sea salt
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) with rack in middle position.
- Snap off woody ends of asparagus and place in mixing bowl. Add 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the chopped herbs. Toss to coat evenly.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle remaining olive oil over both sides, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and remaining herbs on top. Lay thin lemon slices over each fillet, pressing gently.
- Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down on one side of a large rimmed baking sheet. Spread asparagus in a single layer on the other side, avoiding crowding.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking at 12 minutes by flaking the thickest part with a fork. Salmon should be opaque and flaky but moist; asparagus tender-crisp with browned tips.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispness, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over salmon and asparagus before serving.
Notes
Pat salmon dry to ensure crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding pan to prevent steaming. Fresh herbs provide best flavor but dried can be substituted at one-third quantity. If asparagus cooks faster, add halfway through baking. For extra crispness, broil briefly at end. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2 days; reheat gently in low oven to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 o
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: salmon, sheet pan dinner, lemon herb salmon, asparagus, healthy dinner, quick dinner, easy recipe, baked salmon